U.S. patent number 4,829,492 [Application Number 06/890,455] was granted by the patent office on 1989-05-09 for depthfinder with color lcd display.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Woodstream Corporation. Invention is credited to Jude Buckwalter, Oong Choi, Robert S. Choi.
United States Patent |
4,829,492 |
Choi , et al. |
May 9, 1989 |
Depthfinder with color LCD display
Abstract
A depthfinder has a color LCD display without a polarizer. This
permits viewing of the display in bright sunlight, such as would be
ordinarily used for fishing, without washing out of the display.
Additionally, the provision of a LCD display without a polarizing
filter permits viewing of the display even by a fisherman wearing
polarized sunglasses without rainbow effects or fringing effects. A
micrprocessor is employed to drive a color LCD display, the display
having two primary colors red and green, which can be combined to
form a yellow color. Additionally, a fourth color exists when the
overlying pixel elements are in an off state, the color being
black. A program memory provides multicolor display functions
including zoom, numeric indications and numeric adjustments, and a
vertical line of a predetermined color to separate the halves of a
split screen zoom display.
Inventors: |
Choi; Oong (Lancaster, PA),
Choi; Robert S. (Mountsville, PA), Buckwalter; Jude
(Lancaster, PA) |
Assignee: |
Woodstream Corporation (Lititz,
PA)
|
Family
ID: |
25396702 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/890,455 |
Filed: |
July 30, 1986 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
367/110; 181/124;
367/108; 367/111; D10/46; D10/53 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S
7/56 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01S
7/56 (20060101); G01S 009/68 () |
Field of
Search: |
;367/108,111,112,900,113,11,110 ;350/335 ;73/29V ;340/621
;181/124 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
|
0068280 |
|
Jan 1979 |
|
JP |
|
0114871 |
|
Aug 1980 |
|
JP |
|
0048676 |
|
Mar 1982 |
|
JP |
|
0061970 |
|
Apr 1982 |
|
JP |
|
Other References
Information Display-(vol. 1; No. 9, p. 31 of Sep. 1985). .
Japanese Electrical & Electronics (JEE), Apr. 1977, No. 124,
pp. 43-45. .
Journal of the British IRE-4, Nov. 1962, pp. 415-422..
|
Primary Examiner: Tarcza; Thomas H.
Assistant Examiner: Pihulic; Daniel T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Holman & Stern
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A depthfinder with depth chart recorder, having a multi-color
liquid crystal display, comprising:
a sonar transmitter means for transmitting sonar signals;
a sonar receiver means for receiving reflected sonar signals;
an analyzer means for analyzing received reflected sonar
signals;
a converter means for converting analyzed received reflected sonar
signals into signals driving a display;
a multi-color liquid crystal display screen means driven by said
converter means, for displaying along vertical and horizontal
coordinates graphic information representing said received
reflected sonar signals, according to depth along the vertical
coordinate and as a function of time from reception along the
horizontal coordinate; and
means for highlighting on said display screen means a bottom
surface contour in a first color and for solidly filling-in an area
underlying said bottom surface contour in a contrasting second
color, and for displaying a body of water above the bottom surface
contour in a third color.
2. A depthfinder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means
for graphically indicating on said display screen means the
presence of detected objects closer than said bottom surface
contour, said detected objects being indicated in a color
permitting a clear distinction between said detected objects and
their surroundings.
3. A depthfinder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a means
for displaying on said display screen means descriptor legends
corresponding to selectable functions, each said descriptor legend
being displayed in a first color while parameters of its
corresponding function may be adjusted by an operator, and being
displayed in a second color when its functional parameters are set
and locked and not adjustable by the operator.
4. A depthfinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said multi-color
liquid crystal display screen means has a first primary color and a
second primary color as well as a third color derived by
superposing said first color and said second color, and a fourth
color corresponding to an off state.
5. A depthfinder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first primary
color is red, said second primary color is green, said derived
color is yellow and said fourth color is black.
6. A depthfinder with depth chart recorder, for detecting and
displaying underwater information, comprising:
a microprocessor including system timing and control means, a
memory control means, a readout display control means, and X and Y
drive means, and a signal analyzer and sonar control means;
an ultrasonic transducer;
a means for supplying power to said ultrasonic transducer and to
said microprocessor;
a panel control means;
a program memory means;
a multi-color liquid crystal display screen means for displaying
underwater information along vertical and horizontal coordinates,
according to depth along the vertical coordinate and as a function
of time along the horizontal coordinate; and
a means for highlighting on said display screen means a bottom
surface contour in a prominent first color and for solidly
filling-in an area underlying said bottom surface contour in a
contrasting second color, and for displaying a body of water above
the bottom surface contour in a contrasting third color.
Description
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Invention:
The present invention relates to depthfinders for detecting fish
and bottom depth, and for displacing a two-dimensional output in
the form of a color LCD display device which does not "wash out" in
bright sunlight.
2. The Prior Art:
A depthfinder/fishfinder is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,069 to
Milano et al, wherein a microprocessor is used to supply
information to a digital display. A digital multiplexer interfaces
with the microprocessor and with an alarm, a depth measurement and
a keel offset. A sonar transducer and transceiver are used to
supply information to the microprocessor. An alarm is provided
which has a repetition rate proportional to the number and size of
fish detected. The depth of fish detected is displayed as well.
Flowcharts are illustrated in this reference showing the various
routines and functions performed by the microprocessor.
In Oota et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,672 a color liquid crystal
display device is shown which is capable of displaying three
primary colors on a transparent substrate. A light source is
required behind a panel through which light is projected, the three
primary colors being combined in this way to permit formation of
additional colors visually.
A color display system for use with ultrasonic sonar is shown in
Yamamoto et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,012. Targets such as the
surface and bottom of the sea, and schools of fish detected can be
displayed in different colors according to this reference. The
colors red, green, and blue are specifically provided for.
Light-emitting diodes (LED's ) are energized and are mounted upon a
rotary disc of a flasher-type display device and are energized or
turned on independently or in combination, depending upon the
target intensity. A display element requires a neon bulb, an
electric motor for turning the rotary disc, and a suitable
slip-ring connection to a sonar transmitter/receiver.
A sonar signal processing device, combined with a color display
using a color cathode ray tube, is shown in Blue et al in U.S. Pat.
No. 3,845,462. Here, three primary colors are used in the cathode
ray tube to generate additional colors for use with a sonar
display.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,493, to Shanks et al, shows a liquid crystal
color display having a cathode ray tube and two color selective
polarizers. A cell is switched in synchronism with different images
supplied to the cathode ray tube. Two colors are specifically shown
as produced in the device, these colors being green and red.
A color CRT display system for fish detectors is shown in Japanese
patent No. 57-114871(A) in the name of Keisuke Honda et al, wherein
a color CRT device is shown which detects fish as well as a profile
of the underwater surface. Echo signals are used to generate the
display.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,286 to Uchida et al, relates to a multilayer
guest-host liquid crystal display without polarizers. Here, at
least two guest-host liquid crystal cells are superimposed one upon
another, to produce a display. A colored image is created. Unlike
prior art devices, no polarizer is required. A substantially clear
image is thereby created corresponding to the pattern of the
electrodes against the colored background. A high contrast image is
produced against a colored background by the application of a
relatively low voltage between the electrodes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,250 to Wada et al shows a multilayer guest-host
liquid display without polarizers. This device has two guest-host
liquid crystal cells superimposed upon each other.
A sonar apparatus having improved gain control is shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,420,824 to Weber. Here, a microprocessor is used
together with a digital display to indicate depth as a function of
time required to receive echo signals. An LED or liquid crystal
display is taught as being usable in this patent. The
microprocessor uses appropriate software to provide output of
digital signals in communicating with the display and other
devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a depthfinder for displaying an
underwater surface and fish or other objects in the water. The
display itself employs color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
technology so that a plurality of colors are produced.
A preferred type of liquid crystal display is a phase change-type
display used in transmissive as well as reflective modes. Behind
the LCD is a cold cathode fluorenscent tube. As cells are turned
on, light is allowed to come through. The color seen depends upon
the mask through which the light is allowed to come. The mask in a
preferred embodiment would be either a red color or a green color,
but may include other colors as well, and the present invention is
not limited to the use of only two primary colors. Polarizers are
required for the on/off function of the individual cell (pixel). A
display arrangement according to the preferred embodiment would
include apparatus as follows, beginning from the back of the
display:
A cold cathode fluorescent tube; a glass layer; a polarizer; the
LCD's ; another polarizer; a glass sheet; and colors imprinted upon
the glass sheet.
The colors on the LCD display are printed upon the front of the
display, and have diffusion properties which "re-scrambles" the
light so as to tend to remove the polarization of the light.
A particular advantage of the present invention is that it is
highly visible even in bright sunlight, thus overcoming
disadvantages of the use of CRT displays. The preferred display
according to the present invention can be viewed through polarized
sunglasses without "fringes" and "rainbow effects" which are
associated with the use of polarized sunglasses in other types of
LCD displays. This advantage is due to the re-scrambling of the
light by the colors disposed on the glass as discussed above.
The use of LCD color technology for a depth finder display
overcomes the disadvantages of using a cathode ray tube in bright
sunlight in which such displays are often viewed. A fisherman, for
example, can clearly observe the color display in bright sunlight,
without fringe effects or rainbow effects, since the present
invention uses a color LCD display which required no polarizing
filters. When conventional LCD displays are viewed by a person
wearing sunglasses which are polarized, undesirable rainbow and
fringe effects occur due to the use of a polarizer with the
conventional types of color displays with polarized filters.
The color display of the present invention produces two colors
directly, namely red and green, and by superposition, a third
color, yellow. A fourth color exists when none of the superimposed
elements is actuated in a particular region, wherein the background
color of the screen is visible. This color may preferably be, for
example, black.
A microprocessor is used for system timing and control, memory
control, and "X and Y" (i.e., horizontal and vertical coordinate)
drive for driving the color display, and a signal analyzer and
sonar control are used. A chart memory and program memory are used,
as well as a panel control.
The microprocessor displays the underlying surface in two colors,
the uppermost thin layer of the surface being indicated in a first
color and the second color being used to solidly "fill in" the area
beneath the uppermost surface. This permits ready identification of
the underlying surface.
The fish are also in a preferred embodiment indicated in yellow,
the uppermost layer of the underlying surface being also indicated
in yellow, the surface being "filled in" in green, with red,
yellow, and green colors being variously used for other indicating
features on the display and for displaying of various features of
the apparatus.
Electronic recall memory permits display review functions, to
indicate what function is being used with the current display. A
review screen position indicator is used to schematically indicate
the location in memory of a particular function being used,
relative to total available screen memory.
The entire screen can be used to display either a normal view or a
magnified view. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
a selectable feature permits two views to be simultaneously
presented side by side, so as to place a magnified view in better
perspective alongside the normal view. A readily visible red
vertical line separates the two views to provide a clear and
understandable display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a control panel and display
according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the circuit elements used in the
present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates a typical display;
FIGS. 4-10 are flow charts which are part of a single flow chart,
and which are illustrated separately for clarity;
FIG. 11 shows a split-screen display;
FIG. 12-18 show a circuit diagram, broken into separate figures for
clarity .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a depthfinder for use in fishing and water
sports showing an LCD color display 20, and a control panel 21.
An on/off button 1 controls power to the device, and a manual
sensitivity button 2 permits overriding of automatic sensitivity
functions. A split-screen zoom button 3 permits display of an
enlarged region side-by-side with the normal-sized display. The
button 4 controls review and stop action, and the chart speed is
controlled by button 5. A "deep alarm" button 6 permits setting of
a "deep" alarm, and a bottom track button 7 is provided.
Temperature button 8 is provided together with a shallow alarm
button 9, a fish alarm button 10, and up and down arrows 11. Button
17 controls the range, and button 18 controls the display
brightness. On the face of the output display 20 is indicated a
temperature reading 12, a full-screen depth range, and a current
depth reading 14 in numerals. A sensitivity bar 15 is shown at the
top of the output display to indicate the sensitivity setting. A
zoom bar 16 illustrates the region which is enlarged for display
when the zoom function is used.
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the circuitry used in the
present invention. A microcontroller 210 is illustrated in dotted
outline as containing a system timing and control function 229, a
memory control 222, a signal analyzer and sonar control 214, a
readout display control and multiplexer 223, as well as an X and Y
drive 224.
The microcontroller shown can be any microprocessor capable of the
foregoing functions, and a preferred microcontroller is a standard
commercially available microcomputer having a commercial
designation 80C31. However, any other commercially available
microcomputer could be used with the present invention, so long as
it is capable either alone or in combination with additional
conventional elements of performing the foregoing functions. The
"buttons" referred to hereinabove can be any manually operable
elements capable of being switched or actuated.
A system clock 211 supplies signals to the timing control 229. An
ultrasonic transducer 212 receives power from a power amplifier
218, and sends output signals to a receiver amplifier 213. The
receiver amplifier 213 sends an output signal to the signal
analyzer 214, which in turn transmits information to a switch 215.
The switch 215 supplies signals to a sonar tuning circuit 217 which
can control tuning for the ultrasonic transducer 212. The switch
also sends an output signal to an ultrasonic oscillator 216, which
supplies signals to the power amplifier 218.
The color materials according to the preferred embodiment have
light diffusion properties as discussed above.
The switch 215 connects the tuning circuit to either the receiver
amplifier 213 or the oscillator 216. In transmit mode, the switch
215 connects the tuning circuit 217 to the oscillator 216. In
receiving mode, the switch 215 connects the tuning circuit 217 to
the receiver amplifier 213.
The dotted outline indicating part no. 231 indicates a commercially
available device. This device is listed in the parts list hereunder
as part No. U20, and is a commercially available ultrasonic sonar
transceiver manufactured by National Semiconductor Company as part
No. LM 1812.
A temperature sensor 219 supplies signals to a signal amplifier
220, which in turn supplies output signals to an A/D
analogue/digital converter 221. The converter 221 communicates with
the memory control circuit 222 and with the signal analyzer and
sonar control 214. The memory control 222 communicates with the
display control and multiplexer 223, which in turn supplies signals
to the X and Y drive 224. The drive 224 sends output signals to a
32 x 160 Dot Matrix Color LC display 228. Ohter display sizes are
also contemplated as being within the scope of the present
invention. The display 228 includes a backlight display.
The color LCD display 228 is a commercially available display which
is supplied commercialy by Stanley Electric Co. Ltd. of Tokyo,
Japan. This display preferably is a phase change color LCD with a
polarizer. The display is preferably a color display of structure
as discussed hereinabove. However, the use of any other liquid
crystal color displays are contemplated as being within the scope
of the present invention.
A power supply 230 supplies power to the display as well as to the
other circuit elements from a 12 volt battery 229. A plurality of
output voltages are preferably supplied by the power supply 230 at
+12 V, +5 V, and -10 V. Any other suitable power supply can be used
for supplying power to the circuit elements, and the particular
power connections to each element are omitted in FIG. 2 for
clarity.
The memory control 222 communicates with a chart memory 226 and a
program memory 227. The panel control 225 supplies signals to the
memory control 222.
DEFINITIONS OF SONAR TERMS
Sensitivity--the amount of amplification given by the sonar
receiver.
Sensitivity Bar--horizontal line across the top of the LCD screen
the length of which is proportion to the sensitivity of the sonar
receiver.
Data column--a vertically organized area of memory into which data
can be stored.
Sonar data--this is information relating time to the ultrasonic
echoes that were received. The information is collected into a data
column in which the relative position reflects the amount of time
elapsed for a given return. This time information contains the
location of all returning echoes be they bottom or be they fish or
be they tires.
Descriptor--An acronym or abbreviation for a word or function
relating to a mode or function, i.e. "MR" for manual range.
Arrow Keys--the two buttons on the front panel of the fencolor fish
finder marked with up and down arrows. These keys can control any
of the adjustable functions by depressing the button labeled with
the desired function. When the arrow key has effect on a given
function, a descriptor such a "MS" for manual sensitivity will
appear in red in the lower right hand corner of the LCD screen.
Surface Clutter--noise found at the top of the sonar data column
due to debris or other sound obstructions at the surface of the
water.
Column Pointers--These are pointers that point to the memory
address where the current sonar data is to be stored/found.
Display Pointer--the present apparatus uses two areas for the
display. At any given instant one area is being displayed and one
area is having new data drawn on it to be displayed later. The
display pointers point to the memory addresses of these areas. When
a complete display has been drawn the pointers are exchanged and
the process starts again.
Zoom Window--the moveable area that is shown "zoomed up" enlarged
when in the zoom mode.
Zoom Beginning--the depth where the top of the zoom "window"
is.
Zoom End--the depth where the bottom of the zoom "window" is.
Alarm value--there are three alarms. They are: the deep alarm, the
shallow alarm and the fish alarm. Each of these alarms have water
depth values that are checked against actual conditions in the
current sonar data column. When setting an alarm, its current value
is shown in red in the lower left hand corner of the LCD
screen.
FIG. 3 illustrates an LCD display according to the present
invention. A sensitivity bar is illustrated in FIG. 3 as bar 918
near the top of the display. A zoom bar 917 is illustrated in red,
and illustrates a region which would be enlarged, or which is being
enlarged, on a "zoom screen" which can selectively be provided in a
side-by-side relationship with the normal-sized display, the "zoom
display" being shown on the left half of the screen shown in FIG.
3, with the right half of the screen shown in FIG. 3 remaining the
same.
The display indicated at portion 920 represents the most recent
signals displayed, namely the region directly under the boat
supporting the depthfinder. The left-most portion of the screen
illustrates portions of the underlying surface already passed over,
such as those indicated by arrow 919 which indicates fish or
floating objects in the water. The uppermost portion of the
underlying surface is indicated at 921 in yellow, with the
available area beneath the yellow portion being indicated by the
green filled-in portion 925.
Temperature is displayed in region 922 in a color such as red for
permitting a clear distinction from the green portion of the
display underlying the yellow bottom surface. Likewise, the
instantaneous bottom depth is indicated at portion 923, and
represents the most recent depth sampling. Likewise, the depth
range is indicated at region 924. All of the displays 922, 923, and
924 are software-driven displays controlled by instructions to the
microprocessor 210.
Appendix I is a listing of the software instructions which are used
by the microprocessor 210. These instructions, when used by the
microprocessor 210, and in conjuction with the other circuitry of
the present invention, enable the display to function as described
herein.
The water surface is indicated at the uppermost portion of the
display in FIG. 3 at the top of the zoom bar 17. No indication of a
surface is present for the top water surface, since such is
unnecessary and also since noise, waves, and the like would tend to
"clutter" the image unnecessarily.
The flow charts illustrated in FIGS. 4-10 represent the functions
of the program listed as Appendix I hereto, the flow charts shown
in FIGS. 4-10 actually being part of a single flow process whose
elements are interrelated as shown in the individual FIGS.
4-10.
In FIG. 4, block 100 represents the initiation of the program, such
as would occur upon turning on of the apparatus. The apparatus
self-tests at block 101, and if there is an error in the system an
error message is printed according to block 102. Termination due to
error occurs at 106.
If the self-test is OK, then at block 104 is a test for new sonar
data. If new data has been received, the program branches to branch
B indicated at 105. This branch begins on FIG. 5, and would
ordinarily continue through the steps shown in FIGS. 6-9 until the
program returns to location D indicated at block 109 which leads to
decision block 110 which interrogates the system as to whether or
not a key has been pressed.
If new sonar data at block 104 has not been received, then the
program branches to block 107 which interrogates whether a new
screen is required because of the key pressed. If yes, then the
program branches to C, indicated at block 108, this branch of the
program beginning at FIG. 6 and continuing on through FIGS. 7-9. If
no new screen is required, the program branches to block 110 which
has been discussed hereinabove.
If a key has been pressed, then from block 110 the program branches
to location E at block 111 which is illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 10
branches back to the program as shown in FIG. 4 at block A,
indicated as location A at block 103 in FIG. 4.
If no key has been pressed at block 110, the program continues at
block 112, which then returns to location A at block 103. Location
A represents merely a location in the program, and not a
subroutine.
FIG. 5 illustrates the program flow chart beginning from location B
which continues at a decision block 114 determining whether the
range is equal to 10 feet.
If yes, it continues to block 118 where data is discriminated, and
if no it continues at block 116 to reduce surface clutter.
The program continues at block 120 where the bottom reading is
found and saved, and a decision block 121 determines whether the
range is equal to 10 feet. If yes, surface clutter is reduced at
block 122 and if no the program continues at block 123. Block 123
continues at block AA, block 113. Column pointers are set at block
115, and then old data is cleared at block 117. At block 119, new
data is saved, and the program continues on to location C indicated
at block 108.
Block C begins at the top of FIG. 6, and continues at block 123
where data columns 2-16 (yellow) are compressed. A decision block
124 is arrived at which interrogates whether the program is in a
"zoom mode". If yes, the zoom data is shown at block 126 by columns
1-15 in the display (yellow) and in column 18-32. Then, at block
128, a vertical red line is drawn in column 17, and a decision
block 127 is reached as to automatic sensitivity. If the zoom mode
at decision block 124 indicates that no zoom mode presently exists,
block 125 is reached wherein data columns 18-32 are compressed,
these columns being in yellow. The program then branches to
decision block 127.
If the automatic sensitivity function is not in an "on" state,
block 129 is reached which loops back to location C at block 108.
If automatic sensitivity is to occur, i.e., the microprocessor
itself is to determine under program control what sensitivity to
use, then block 128 is reached which causes the display to fill the
green bottom highlighting contour with two pixels of red (in
columns 2-16). Then decision block 129 is reached, interrogating
whether a zoom mode exists currently. If yes, the program branches
to block 130 at location CC. If no zoom mode currently exists, the
program branches to block 131 at location BB. Locations BB and CC
are illustrated in FIG. 7.
From location B-B at block 131 the program continues to block 198
which causes the display to fill the green bottom highlighting
contour with two pixels of red (columns 16-32). The program then
continues to block 132 wherein the sensitivity bar is drawn in
green on the display. From location point CC indicated at block
130, the programs continues directly to block 132 wherein the
sensitivity bar is drawn. From block 132 the decision block 133 is
reached, interrogating whether the arrow keys are used. If yes,
block 199 is reached wherein a "descriptor" is drawn in red and
green, in the review location window at location 22 illustrated in
FIG. 11.
If the arrow keys function is not required at block 133, then
decision block 134 is reached interrogating whether the temperature
indicator is enabled. If yes, then at block 135 a digital display
of the temperature is indicated in yellow at location 922 of FIG.
3. The program then continues to block 136 which is location DD.
Block 136, which is location DD, continues on in FIG. 8 at the top
of the figure. If the temperature function has not been enabled in
block 134, then the program continues directly to block 136 at
location DD.
FIG. 8 begins with location DD at block 136 which continues to
decision block 137 which tests whether the automatic sensitivity
mode is on. If on, the program continues at block 138 causing
digits to be displayed representing the bottom depth in yellow.
Then decision block 139 is reached, interrogating whether a zoom
mode is currently on.
If at block 137 the automatic sensitivity is not on, the program
continues directly to block 139. At block 139, if the zoom mode is
on, the program continues to block 140 and draws digits
representing the zoom beginning portion in red. The program then
continues to decision block 141. If the zoom mode is not on at
block 139, the program continues directly to decision block 141,
interrogating whether the arrow keys have been used for the zoom or
for the alarms. If no, the program continues to block 142 in FIG.
9. If yes, the program continues to block 143, also in FIG. 9.
FIG. 9 begins at either block 143, which is location EE, or
location FF indicated at block 142. If the arrow keys have been
used at decision block 141, the program continues on to block 144
to draw digits on the display to represent the alarm or zoom end
value in red. The program then continues to block 146. The digits
drawn at block 144 would be displayed at the location indicated as
location 924 in FIG. 3.
If no arrow keys have been set for the zoom or the alarm at block
141, the program then continues to block 145 and displays digits
representing the range, in green. This is displayed at location 924
illustrated in FIG. 3. Then, the program continues to block
146.
At block 146, the program causes the display of a zoom bar in red,
or alternatively an alarm bar in yellow, depending upon which of
these have been set. The alarm bar would be located in the same
column as the zoom bar for indicating an alarm depth at which an
alarm will sound. For example, an alarm can be made to go off when
water which is too shallow or too deep has been reached.
The program continues to block 147, wherein display pointers are
exchanged. The program then continues to location D at 109 as shown
in FIG. 4.
As mentioned above, from location D at 109 in FIG. 4 the program
continues to decision block 110 which tests whether a function key
is currently pressed. If no function key is currently pressed, then
the program continues at location 112 and goes to location A at
103, from which point the program repeats, beginning at decision
block 104, and tests for new sonar data. If, on the other hand, a
function key is currently pressed, then from decision block 110 the
program branches to location E at 111.
FIG. 10 illustrates the branch beginning at location E, at block
111.
The program continues from block 111 to decision block 148, wherein
the program interrogates whether this is a first pressing of this
function key. If yes, the arrow keys are enabled at block 149, and
the program continues at block 155 and returns the program control
to Location A indicated at 103 in FIG. 4. If the key has already
been pressed at least once at block 148, then the program continues
to decision block 150 wherein the program interrogates whether a
second press of this function key has occurred with no previous
press of an arrow key. If yes, the program continues to block 151
to disable the arrow keys. If no, the program continues to decision
block 152.
At decision block 152, the program interrogates whether the
function has been held down long enough for disablement, a period
of 2 seconds. If no, the program continues to Location A at 103 in
FIG. 4, and if yes the program continues to block 154 wherein the
key function is disabled and the arrow keys are disabled. From
there the program continues to Location A at 103 in FIG. 4 via
block 155.
The key functions, as well as the setting of the arrow keys, are
explained in more detail hereunder. The buttons shown in FIG. 1
numbered 2,3,4,5,6,9,10,17, and 18 can be adjusted by the pressing
of one of the said buttons followed by manual actuation of the up
or down arrow keys until a suitable adjustment has been reached (as
indicated by the display appropriate to that button/function, as
discussed hereunder). The changed feature, which has been changed
by the depression of the UP and/or DOWN arrow keys, is "locked in"
by the second pressing of the function which has been selected.
This disables the arrow keys and returns the display to an
appropriate setting. During the change operation wherein the arrows
can be used to adjust the function selected by the above-identified
buttons, a descriptor appears which describes the function
selected, the descriptor appearing at location 22 as illustrated in
FIG. 11.
The bottom tracking feature is selected by first pressing the ZOOM
button 3 and then the bottom tracking button 7. The display can be
frozen by depression of the review button 4.
The ZOOM feature is illustrated in FIG. 11, wherein the left
portion of the screen illustrates the ZOOM region which is
illustrated by the zoom bar 17. The top depth of the zoom window is
illustrated in numerals at region 401 of the lefthand display
portion, and the bottom depth of the ZOOM window is indicated in
region 24 in numerals. The bottom depth is indicated numerically in
region 23.
FIGS. 12-18 together are a circuit diagram for the apparatus
according to the present invention. FIG. 12 shows in dotted outline
circuit elements 224 and 229, each of which cooperates with the
microprocessor 210 to form the functional blocks of FIG. 2. Block
224 of FIG. 12 is the X and Y drive 224 of FIG. 2, while the block
229 cooperates with the microprocessor 210 to form the system
timing and control functions 229 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 13 shows another portion of the circuit including block 221,
which corresponds to the A/D converter 221 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 14 illustrates the power supply 230 shown schematically in
FIG. 2.
FIG. 15 illustrates the circuit portion 211, which corresponds to
the system clock 211 of FIG. 2. Also shown is the power amplifier
218, and a sonar tuning circuit 217. The ultrasonic transducer 212
is shown in FIG. 15 in dotted outline as well. The dotted outline
231 of FIG. 15 includes the sonar return circuit, the GAI circuit,
and the transmit/receive circuit, the elements of which are
indicated in FIG. 2 schematically. The circuit of FIG. 15 connects
to another portion of the circuit shown in FIG. 12, as indicated by
the circled numeral 501.
FIG. 16 illustrates another portion of the circuit diagram
according to the present invention, including the memory control
222 (when taken in combination with the microprocessor 210 shown in
FIG. 16). The dotted outline of circuit elements shown in FIG. 16
correspond to the schematic functional elements shown functionally
in FIG. 2.
The panel control 225 is seen in FIG. 16, as is the program memory
227 and the chart memory 226. The memory control is shown in the
dotted outline portion 222(also when taken with the microprocessor
210 of FIG. 16).
Portion 228 shown in FIG. 16 shows signals being received from
various circuit portions which are supplied to an LCD display. The
LCD display is preferably a 32 x 160 dot matrix color LCD display,
having a backlight display. The LCD display is preferably of the
type discussed hereinabove including a liquid crystal display with
polarizer, which operates in a "transmissive" mode.
FIG. 17 illustrates another portion of the circuit which stems from
the portion illustrated as the circled numeral 502, which branched
from FIG. 16. This circuit is part of the gain adjustment.
FIG. 18 has a branch illustrated by the circled numeral 503. The
signal amplifier circuitry 220 is seen in FIG. 18, as is the
temperature sensor 219.
OPERATION OF SYSTEM FEATURES
Pressing the SENS button will put the depthfinder into MANUAL
SENSITIVITY mode. The sensitivity can be adjusted by pushing the
UP/DOWN arrow keys.
The bottom will now be displayed in YELLOW and the current depth
will no longer be displayed on the screen in digital form.
The "MS" descriptor will appear in the lower right corner of the
display is RED. As long as the MS descriptor remains RED the
sensitivity may be adjusted using the UP/DOWN arrow keys. When 10
seconds have passed without the SENS or arow keys being pressed,
the MS descriptor will turn YELLOW indicating that changes in
sensitivity will no longer be accepted unless the SENS button is
pressed again.
The horizontal bar at the top of the screen indicates the current
sensitivity level. This bar will lengthen for increased sensitivity
(UP arrow key) and shorten for decreased sensitivity (DOWN arrow
key). Once you have selected the desired sensitivity level, press
the SENS button again. MANUAL SENSITIVITY is now set.
Pressing the RANGE button will put the CLC into the MANUAL RANGE
mode and the MR descriptor will appear in RED in the lower right
corner of the screen. As long as the descriptor is RED, the depth
range may be adjusted. When 10 seconds have passed without the
RANGE or UP/DOWN arrow keys being pressed, the MR descriptor will
turn YELLOW, indicating that changes in range will no longer be
accepted unless the RANGE button is pressed again.
The full screen depth range can be set. The range choices are 0-20,
0-40, 0-80, 0-160, and 0-320 feet. A 0-10 foot range is available
either as a standard feature, or else only in ZOOM. The UP/DOWN
arrow keys select the appropriate range. The UP arrow will select a
deeper range, while the DOWN arrow will select a shallower range.
If the arrow keys are pressed to extend the full screen range
beyond its minimum or maximum ranges, a beep will be heard each
time an arrow key is pressed.
Once the desired range is selected, the RANGE button is pressed
again. The selected range is shown in the lower left corner of the
display. In MANUAL RANGE, the bottom and any targets present will
be displayed in YELLOW.
To return to AUTO RANGIG, it is necessary to press and hold the
RANGE button for 2-3 seconds until a beep is no longer heard and
the MR descriptor disappears. A GREEN bottom will return unless
MANUAL SENSITIVITY is selected.
To activate the ZOOM mode, the ZOOM button is pressed once. The
screen will split vertically into two screens separated by a red
line. The ZOOM bar will now appear on the right side of the display
in RED. The size of the ZOOM bar will always represent either a 10
or 20 foot window on the current full screen range, depending on
the viewing window size selected. The ZOOM viewing window can be
switched between 10 and 20 feet by pressing the ZOOM button while
in the ZOOM mode. The right half of the screen will display
information in the normal way, while the left half will display an
expanded view of the area selected by the ZOOM bar.
The ZOOM bar is moved to the desired depth with the UP/DOWN arrow
keys.
The top and bottom depths of the ZOOM window are displayed on the
left side of the display, with the bottom depth in the lower left
corner and the top depth in the upper left.
While in the ZOOM mode, the depth finder is continuing to collect
data so that the most current information is displayed on the
screen.
To exit the ZOOM mode, it is necessary to press and hold the ZOOM
button down for 2-3 seconds until a beep is no longer heard and the
ZM descriptor disappears from the screen.
To activate the Bottom Track feature, enter the ZOOM mode by
pressing the Bottom Track button. Press the BOTTOM TRACK button a
second time and the display will return to normal.
Just as in the normal ZOOM, the size of the ZOOM window is either
10 or 20 feet, selected by pressing the ZOOM button.
The depthfinder has a convenient REVIEW function which allows a
viewer to look back over three full screens of information. REVIEW
also allows the viewer to freeze the screen for a more in-depth
look at the current screen. The viewer can change the RANGE and use
the ZOOM function while in REVIEW.
The present invention preferably stores a maximum of three previous
screens of data. To enter the REVIEW mode, it is necessary to press
the REVIEW button. The screen will immediately stop stop scrolling.
The UP arrow will move the screen to the right, displaying the more
recent information. The DOWN arrow moves the screen to the left,
displaying older information. If the arrow buttons are held down,
the screen will advance until the button is released or the limits
of the screens are reached.
An icon beneath the RV descriptor indicates the position of the
displayed screen in memory, with the most recent screen being on
the right.
To exit the REVIEW mode, press and hold the REVIEW button for 2-3
seconds until a beep is no longer heard and the RV descriptor
disappears. The display will resume scrolling with new
information.
Adjusting the chart speed will change the scrolling speed of the
display. Normally the proper chart speed is automatically selected
for optimal viewing. To change the chart speed, it is necessary to
press the CHART SPEED button. The CS descriptor will appear in the
lower right corner of the display with the chart speed digital
indication just below it. The chart speed is adjustable from 1 to
10 using the UP or DOWN arrow keys.
Pressing the UP arrow key will increase the chart speed, and the
DOWN arrow key will decrease the chart speed. If the arrow keys are
pressed to extend the chart speed beyond its minimum or maximum
values, a beep will be heard. Once the desired scrolling speed is
selected it is necessary to press the CHART SPEED button again. The
chart speed is now set. To return to the normal chart speed, it is
necessary to press and hold the CHART SPEED butotn for 2-3 seconds
until a beep is no longer heard.
Through the use of a special sensor built into the transducer
casing, the temperature of the water surrounding the transducer can
be measured and displayed.
When the unit is turned on, the temperature reading is not normally
displayed in the lower right hand corner of the screen. The TEMP
button is provided so that the temperature reading can be displayed
on the screen, and disappears when not activated to avoid confusion
with other numbers on the screen. The reading can be redisplayed by
pressing the TEMP button again.
The temperature can only be displayed in the automatic mode,
otherwise the lower right hand corner of the screen is occupied by
a function descriptor.
The present invention has three different alarm functions that are
both convenient and useful. The FISH ALARM will signal when any
sonar targets have been detected within the range of the alarm
settings. The DEPTH ALARM will signal when the bottom has fallen
below the set depth level. The SHALLOW ALARM will signal when the
bottom rises above the set depth level. Each alarm gives a clear
audible chirping sound when an alarm condition has been
detected.
To activate the fish alarm, it is necessary to press the FISH ALARM
button. A small YELLOW alarm bar will appear on the right side of
the screen at a depth of 8 feet. FA TOP will appear in the
descriptor area. The top of the alarm can be set by moving the
alarm bar to the desired level with the UP/DOWN arrows. Pressing
the FISH ALARM button sets the alarm top.
FA BTM will now appear in the descriptor area. Setting of the alarm
bottom is by moving the alarm bar to the desired level with the
UP/DOWN arrows. Pressing the FISH ALARM button sets the alarm
bottom.
The FISH ALARM has now been set to your desired range. It will
sound whenever a sonar target appears within this range. The bottom
will not set off the alarm. If the viewer wishes to have the FISH
ALARM alarm all the way to the bottom, it is necessary to set FA
BTM to a level lower than the lowest expected bottom reading.
To disable the FISH ALARM, it is necessary to press and hold the
FISH ALARM button for 2-3 seconds until a beep is no longer
heard.
To activate the deep alarm, press the DEEP ALARM button. "DA" will
now appear in the descriptor area. A YELLOW bar will appear on the
right side of the display indicating the current alarm depth
setting. A viewer can adjut the alarm to the depth you want by
using the UP/DOWN arrow keys. The alarm depth will be shown in the
lower left corner of the display while the alarm setting is being
adjusted.
Once the viewer has set the alarm level, press the DEEP ALARM key
again. The alarm is now set and will sound whenever the bottom
falls below the set depth level. The present invention will
automatically enable the alarm after 10 seconds if the arrow keys
or the DEEP ALARM key have not been pressed. The "DA" descriptor
will disappear once the alarm has been set. To disable the alarm,
it is necessary to press and hold the DEEP ALARM key for 2-3
seconds until a beep is no longer heard.
To activate the SHALLOW ALARM, it is necessary to press the SHALLOW
ALARM button. "SA" will appear in the descriptor area and a small
YELLOW alarm bar will appear on the right side of the screen. The
alarm can now be adjusted using the UP/DOWN arrow keys. The alarm
depth will be shown in the lower left corner of the display while
the alarm setting is being adjusted.
It is necessary to press the SHALLOW ALARM button again after
selecting the desired level. The alarm is now set and will be
triggered whenever the bottom rises above the alarm level chose.
The depthfinder will automatically set the alarm after 10 seconds
if the arrow keys or the SHALLOW ALARM buttom hve not been pressed.
The "SA" descriptor will disappear once the SHALLOW ALARM has been
set. To disable the alarm, it is necessary to press and hold the
SHALLOW ALARM button for 2-3 seconds until a beep is no longer
heard.
Under most circumstances, it will not be necessary to switch out of
AUTO SENSITIVITY. The present depthfinder is constantly adjusting
its sensitivity to adapt to the sonar environment in which it is
operating. The correct sensitivity level is determined by measuring
the strength of the returning bottom signal. Consequently, in AUTO
SENSITIVITY shallow water generally requires less sensitivity and
deep water requires additional sensitivity.
This automatic feature can be overridden. In shallower water, it
may not provide enough sensitivity in the automatic mode to reveal
smaller fish and finer details of bottom structures. Therefore the
MANUAL SENSITIVITY feature is useful when charting the bottom or
looking for schools of baitfish.
The present depthfinder stores up to three previous screens of
information in addition to the current screen. Each screen
represents 32 columns of information, with a column representing
the data collected during one sonar sounding. Therefore, there are
always 128 columns or four screens of information available for
review.
In REVIEW, all four screens can be accessed by pressing REVIEW and
then the UP/DOWN arrow keys. UP will move the screen to the right,
DOWN to the left. Pressing REVIEW in effect turns the viewing
screen into a 32 column wide window which can be moved over the
entire 128 column storage area. The position of the window is
indicated by the location of a GREEN bar between two RED lines in
the descriptor area for REVIEW.
PARTS LIST
0.1uF BYPASS CAPACITOR FROM VCC TO GROUND ON U1-U18
C1 - 1uF
C2 - 0.1uF
C3 - 1000uF
C4 - 2200uF
C5 - 0.1uF
C6 - 0.33uF
C7 - 100uF
C8 - 0.1uF
C9 - 100uF
C10 - 1uF
C11 - 1uF
C12 - 470pF
C14 - 1nF
C15 - 10nF
C16 - 10nF
C17 - 200pF
C18 - 100pF
C19 - 30pF
C20 - 30pF
C21 - 10uF
C22 - 0.01uF
C28 - 0.1uF (MONOCHROMATIC ONLY)
C29 - 0.1uF
CR1 - RD15E - 15 Volt Zener Diode
CR2 - GP30B - Rectifier Diode
CR3 - 8.2V Zener
CR4 - 1SS134 (CR4-CR7 are switching diodes)
CR5 - 1SS134
CR6 - 1SS134
CR7 - 1SS134
CR8-CR14 - 1SS134
L1 - TOKO CAN-1A901HM
Q1 - 2SA1015 TRANSISTOR SWITCH IN POWER SUPPLY
Q2 - 2SD2060 TRANSISTOR SWITCH, CURRENT AMP IN POWER SUPPLY
Q3 - 2SA1328 OUTPUT TRANSISTOR FOR 12 VOLT POWER SUPPLY
Q4 - 2SA1020 OUTPUT TRANSISTOR FOR LM1812 POWER SUPPLY
Q5 - 2SC1815 TRANSISTOR SWITCH FOR LM1812 POWER SUPPLY
Q6 - 2SC2060 CURRENT AMP FOR SONAR POWER AMP
Q7 - 2SC2060 CURRENT AMP FOR SONAR POQER AMP
Q8 - 2SC1815 TRANSISTOR FOR TRANSMIT/RECEIVE SWITCH
Q9 - 2SC1815 TRANSISTOR CURRENT SINK FOR GAIN ADJUSTMENT
Q10 - 2SC1815 CURRENT MIRROR OF Q9 FOR DECREASED DEPENDENCE ON
TRANSISTOR PARAMETERS
Q11 - 2SK549 POWER MOSFET FOR SONAR POWER OUTPUT
Q12 - 2SK549 POWER MOSFET FOR SONAR POWER OUTPUT
Q13 - 2SC1815 TRANSISTOR USED FOR LEVEL TRANSLATION
*Q14 - 2SC1815 TRANSISTOR SWITCH
*Q15 - 2SC1815 TRANSISTOR SWITCH
Q16 - 2SC1815 TRANSISTOR SWITCH
Q17 - 2SC2060 (MONOCHROMATIC ONLY) TRANSISTOR SWITCH
Q18 - 2SC2060 (MONOCHROMATIC ONLY) TRANSISTOR SWITCH
ALL RESISTORS ARE 1/5W 10% UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
R1 - 2K
R2 - 1K
R3 - 100K
R4 - 100 OHMS 1/4W
R5 - 20K
R6 - 47K
R7 - 2K
R8 - 4.7K
R9 - 100K
R10 - 10K
R11 - 10K
*R12 - 18K
*R13 - 1.2K
R14 - 10K
R15 - 10K
R16 - 5.1K
R17 - 1K
R18 - 1K
R19 - 8.2K
R20 - 100 OHMS
R21 - 10K
R22 - 51 OHMS
R23 - 1.5K
*R24 - 18K
R25 - 1K
R26 - 820
R27 - 180
R28 - 12K
R29 - 51 OHMS
R30 - 8.2K
R31 - 5.6K
R32 - 0.15
R38 - 1K
R39 - 10K
R40 - 10K
R41 - 10K
R42 - 10K
*R43 - 220K
*R44 - 470K
*R45 - 1M
*R46 - 2.2M
*R47 - 220K
R55 - 470K
R56 - 220K
R57 - 100K
R58 - 47K
R59 - 22K
R60 - 10K
R61 - 8.2K (MONOCHROMATIC ONLY)
R62 - 8.2K (MONOCHROMATIC ONLY)
R63 - 47K
R64 - 2.2K (MONOCHROMATIC ONLY)
R65 - 2.2K (MONOCHROMATIC ONLY)
R66 - 1K
R68 - 10K
R69 - 18 OHMS 1/2 WATT (MLC ONLY)
RP 1 - 10K.times.9 RESISTOR NETWORK
TL - TOKO 12VXA FORM
TR2 - RADARSONIC 182kHz TRANSDUCER
TR3 - SELF-OSCILLATING BUZZER
U1 - 80C31 MICROPROCESSOR
U2 - 74HC244 ADDRESS B UFFER
U3 - 74HC373 ADDRESS B UFFER/DEM ULTIPLEXER
U4 - 74LS138 ONE OF EIGHT DECODER
U5 - 6264FP-20 STATIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY
*U6 - 6264FP-20 (MARINE CLC ONLY)
U8 - 2764A-2 PROGRAMMABLE READ ONLY MEMORY
*U9 - NOT USED
U10 - 74HC373 DEM ULTIPLEXER/LATCH FOR SENSITIVITY
U11 - MC140497B HEX INVERTER
U12 - 74HC08 QUAD AND GATE
U13 - MC140017B QUAD NOR GATE
U14 - MC14040B 12 BIT BINARY COUNTER FOR TIMING DIVISION
U15 - MC14013B DUAL D FLIP FLOP FOR POWER SWITCH
U16 - MC14040B SAME AS U14
U17 - LM339 QUAD COMPARATOR
*U18 - NOT USED
U19 - LM358 DUAL OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER
U20 - LM1812 ULTRASONIC SONAR TRANSCEIVER
U21 - 7805 5 VOLT REGULATOR
*VR1 - 50K TRIMPOT
*Y1 - 10.92 MHz CRYSTAL (12 MHZ FOR PROTOTYPES)
While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been
illustrated and discussed, it will be understood that the present
invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise embodied
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *